Elias Pettersson broke onto the scene and made an immediate and much needed impact on the Vancouver Canucks and The Faithful. Not since the arrival of Pavel Bure in 1992, has a player created a buzz quite like it. And with that buzz planted a seed of hope for Canuck nation and their quest for the Stanley Cup.
Elias Fredrik Pettersson was born on November 12th 1998 in Sundsvall Sweden but he grew up in Ange. After literally one of the best seasons in U20 SHL history, and being awarded the Le Mat trophy, with his club team the Växjö Lakers, Elias Pettersson made the opening night roster for your Vancouver Canucks for the 2018-2019 season. He won the Calder trophy awarded to the best rookie and in doing so, became the second Vancouver Canuck to do so since Pavel Bure did it in 92. Elias Pettersson’s older brother is currently playing in the SHL with the Växjö Lakers. Both Pettersson brothers have played for Timra IK & the Växjö Lakers. When Elias was growing up his dad was the zamboni driver for the local rink. This resulted in Pettersson receiving extra ice time as a result.
Pettersson’s 2018 season was cut short because of injury and he only played 71 of 82 games for the Vancouver Canucks. In 71 games played in 2018, Pettersson scored 27 goals and had 38 assists for 65 points. In 68 games played this campaign that was cut short by COVID-19, he matched his goal production with 27 goals and tacked on one more assist for 39 for a total of 66 points.
Pettersson has a fantastic slap shot. One that is so quick and fast. It’s in the back of the net faster than you can shake a stick at.
To have a lethal wrist shot you need to have great hand eye coordination. Dekey Pete’s is freakishly good. Accuracy is key in all situations. Elias Pettersson’s accuracy is off the charts. Pettersson’s vision when he is passing the puck is unbelievable. His understanding of this great game of hockey is so clear and evident. Elias Pettersson is a great problem solver on the ice, whether it’s getting in position to pass or rip it on net. One of my favourite passes Pettersson did was the bank pass to Boeser!! Tape to tape Beautiful!
Something I think that sets Pettersson apart from the rest is his intelligence and decision making in all situations. Pettersson’s play in all three zones is an example of sheer desire and will to win. I’ll give you an example. Elias Pettersson is like Wayne Gretzky the way he sees the ice and the way he anticipates what his opponents do with the puck. Elias Pettersson plays with great attention to detail and great awareness of who is on the ice. Something amazing about Elias Pettersson is his outstanding ability to make those around him better and his ability to create chances. When plays come to fruition it’s because of his anticipation, work ethic, and creativity.
I can talk about Pettersson’s skill all day but what sets him apart is his relentless work ethic and will to win. Elias Pettersson’s defensive game is very similar to that of Pavel Datsyuk, Ryan O’Reilly, Patrice Bergeron and Jonathan Toewes. What’s amazing about all these players is how hard they play in all three zones. All the players I have mentioned are players you’d love to have on your team because they are committed in the defensive zone and their pursuit of the puck is tireless. The thing I love about Pettersson’s 200 foot game is he pays careful attention to who he is defending. Like the Selke winners I’ve mentioned, Pettersson is such a beast on defence and his relentless attack of the puck sets the tone for team defence. Jim Benning has done an absolutely fantastic job drafting for the Vancouver Canucks. Notable drafts he did include Brock Boeser, Elias Pettersson, Olli Juolevi, Jake Virtanen & Quinn Hughes. When the team needs a spark and a kick in the right direction, you need to go get players you think will help you. That’s exactly what Jim did when he went out and got Tanner Pearson, J.T.Miller and Tyler Toffoli. Brock Boeser, J.T.Miller & Elias Pettersson’s chemistry as line mates is pretty fun to watch and I’ll tell you why. Pettersson’s ability to find the other two on the ice is remarkable. Boeser is such a great skater that he gets into position very quickly. J.T. Miller has great ability to stick handle around defenders on the rush and in the offensive zone. All in all, Boeser, Miller & Pettersson compliment each other so well. They are a threat to pot those pucks whenever they hop over the boards together for your Vancouver Canucks. Two years of Pettersson have stirred the Canuck Faithful into a cup crazed frenzy. He is the building block for this young core and has arrived as an NHL superstar poised to take Vancouver on a Stanley Cup run. We all miss hockey among many other things right now but Elias Pettersson and the Canucks give us something special to look forward to. Robbie ‘Bob Shanks’ Cruickshank Freelance Journalist Top fundraiser Canucks Autism Network
15 Comments
Pink Bobby
4/1/2020 08:19:49 pm
Bob, a classically refreshing article to read, indeed! It had me on the edge of my seat, much like Elias Pettersson gameplay on the ice! Great job and keep it up! Can't wait to read the next one.
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Bob Shanks
4/1/2020 09:56:28 pm
Thanks Bobby !!
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Paula
4/1/2020 08:52:53 pm
Nice writing bob!! Enjoyed it
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Bob Shanks
4/1/2020 09:57:37 pm
Thanks Paula 😃 glad you enjoyed it
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Tobi
4/1/2020 08:58:53 pm
Atta baby Bob Shanks. Well done. Looking forward to the next one!
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Skip
4/1/2020 09:55:05 pm
Atta boy, Bobby. Great read! Looking forward to the next one.
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Pete
4/1/2020 09:59:47 pm
Fantastic article, Bob! I had no idea his was the second fastest shot by a forward!
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Woodguy
4/1/2020 10:34:29 pm
Awesome Bobo! Nice job, your passion is clearly evident.
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Bob Shanks
4/1/2020 10:45:01 pm
Thanks 😃 appreciate it
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Amber
4/2/2020 06:54:10 am
Awesome read Bob!
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Bob Shanks
4/2/2020 11:38:32 am
Thanks Amber 😃 appreciate it 😘
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Braeden
4/2/2020 07:07:20 pm
Well done! I love how you used the videos to showcase your points. Keep up the great work!
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Sugar Man
4/3/2020 09:23:30 pm
Well done Bob, classically fresh!
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Mike Boyle
8/12/2020 12:38:03 pm
Hey Robbie,
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Robbie Cruickshank
9/3/2020 02:44:19 pm
Hey Mike 😃 thanks for saying that 🤙🏻 I love to write and take pics
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About Bob Shanks
I am the Canucks Autism Network's Top Fundraiser, having raised over $200,000 since I began in 2012. |